Know your needs and preferences ahead of time
- Know what you are looking for well before you find yourself in a multiple offer situation.
- Consider what is an exciting project or role for you.
- Think about new skills that you would like to add, or existing ones you would like to build.
- Contemplate the type of work environment you prefer.
- Determine your rate or salary, relative to market value for the type of position you are pursuing.
- If you are a consultant, know your ideal contract length.
- Decide whether you are willing to relocate for a contract or permanent position.
Be prepared to decide before you interview
- Research each company and opportunity fully before you reach the interview stage.
- Evaluate how each opportunity could help build your profile in the long run.
- Decide ahead of time which opportunity you would most like to accept.
- Use each interview to confidently sell your skills without having to make rushed assessments.
- Anticipate your reaction to an offer in each interview setting, knowing that there may be some pressure.
Be open and honest about your needs
- Be forthright about all of your needs and preferences during each interview.
- Request clarification of any factors about which you are uncertain.
- Map the opportunities offered by each position back to your established set of goals and preferences.
- If a good opportunity does not match your needs exactly, ask whether there is room for negotiation.
Evaluate each opportunity based on long-term career objectives
- Avoid basing your decision on salary or rate alone.
- Determine the skills and industry knowledge you stand to gain from each position.
- Inquire about future paths for promotion and growth within each organization.
- Ask about training programs available with each opportunity.
- Assess the business performance of each individual organization and the industry as a whole.
- Find out how important IT is to the success and culture of each organization. Make your choice based on sound business judgment rather than emotion.
Respond to each organization in a professional manner
- Word of mouth about professionalism can spread quickly throughout the IT community.
- Once an offer is extended, you may not have much time to make a decision.
- Establish timeline expectations early in the process.
- Respond promptly to all offers that have been extended to you.
- If you turn down an offer, take the time to clarify your reasons.
- Regardless of your final conclusion, be professional and courteous to everyone involved.